A car I just purchased is having issues. The power steering when out and came back. Now all the gauges on the dash board are flick

A car I just purchased is having issues. The power steering went out so I turned the car off and restarted it. It starting working again but the steering lock light came on. And Now all the gauges on the dash board are flickering and the car is losing power. I drove the car to work again today and the same thing was happening . When I got within a few miles of work. It all of a sudden just came back to normal, can you advise what the issue is, and if it's fixable?

My car has 125000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Many 2007 Cobalts were recalled to repair faults in the power steering system. To determine if you vehicle was included in the power steering recall, please use NHTSA’s VIN lookup tool. You may have to visit a dealer or call Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, as well, to determine if your specific vehicle was actually repaired. Sometimes owners don’t take their vehicles in for recall repairs so even though your car might have been recalled, that doesn’t mean it was actually fixed.

If the recall does not apply, you can schedule a power steering malfunction diagnostic – loss of assist and the problem will be diagnosed and repaired by a certified mechanic from YourMechanic. With regard to the incidents you are experiencing with loss of engine power, the cause of that can be diagnosed, and any required repairs made, if you request an engine loss of power diagnostic. To give you an initial idea of causes of loss of power, although there are many possibilities, a partial list would include oxygen sensors, fuel pump and/or filter, vacuum leaks, ignition system malfunctions, bad valve timing if the timing belt or chain is worn or skipped, blocked exhaust (e.g., catalytic converter fails or become clogged), airflow sensor, throttle position sensor, and so forth. Whatever the cause, if you request the engine loss of power diagnostic, the certified mechanic will get this resolved promptly. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

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Electrical system. Recall no. General Motors LLC (GM) announced on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles.
Recall Summary

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 CHEVROLET COBALT AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 PONTIAC G5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST THAT COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING.

Coupe (2 Door) SS 2.4L 4 Cyl. Coupe (2 Door) Our research indicates that your vehicle has an electric power steering system (“EPS” or “EPAS”).
Which Chevy Cobalts are under recall? The 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalts are under recall due to the risk that the ignition switches produced by GM could suddenly turn off while on the road. 700,000 Chevrolet Cobalts are affected by the recall.
Chevy is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Cobalts and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. “In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine,” according to the NHSTA recall alert.
Today`s electronic power steering systems may fail due to issues with the mounted electric motor. In particular, excessive heat on the motor is likely to cause the failure modes. Infiltration of the system environment by water, dirt, or other contaminants will also likely lead to EPS failure.
If you are having a hard time turning the steering wheel, something is likely wrong with the power steering system. Low power steering fluid in the reservoir might diminish the power assist and is a sign of a leak. A faulty power steering pump or a worn (or broken) serpentine belt could also be the culprit.
Having power steering is essential for driving. Not only can driving without it damage your car, but it can also endanger other drivers on the road. For this reason, it`s illegal in all 50 states to drive without power steering. Power steering enables you to turn your steering wheel easily and quickens reaction time.
Best Answer

There is no power steering fluid to add on a cobalt the steering is electric. Small electric motors help you turn the wheel.

A properly maintained 2007 Cobalt should last around 150,000 miles, half as long as top competitors like the Toyota Corolla.
You may also search by Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for recalls on vehicles not currently in your garage. If you are looking for more information regarding the recently announced recall for select 2017-2022 model year Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUVs, please visit experience.gm.com/recalls/bolt-ev.
A common culprit for that error is the throttle by wire system. If the car senses that something is the matter with either the throttle body or the gas pedal it will reduce power. The best way to verify this is to have the codes pulled. You should see a code for the throttle body or the gas pedal.
The P2101 code will typically state the description as “Throttle Actuator “A” Control Motor Circuit Range/Performance.” This can be difficult for beginners or DIYers to untangle, but it typically means that there`s an issue between the actual throttle position of the vehicle and the throttle position that the …
This issue with the EPS light can also be caused if you have recently had to jump-start your car, or you`ve disconnected the battery. Occasionally, the problem can be fixed by simply turning your vehicle off and on again.
One of the most common problems power steering systems have is leaks. The high pressure of the system combined with the soft hoses carrying the fluid makes it relatively susceptible to leaks. A low fluid level can cause a whining power steering pump and even a loss of fluid pressure and a loss of steering assistance.
All you need to do is turn off your engine, then restart it so the light can reset. In most cases, it should come back on, and this only indicates that it may have thought it suspected a problem due to a mistake in the computer system.
Electronic failure is when the electrical systems keeping the power steering running stop functioning. This type of failure can be caused by a fuse issue, so you can easily check the fuse box to see if one of the fuses needs replacing.
The power steering pump uses engine power provided by the drive belts to assist with steering. If the pump is causing extra strain the system, your engine will inevitably take on the extra load. This is why when you are turning, the engine feels like its losing power.
Power steering in cars offers assistance to decrease the manual strength necessary for steering. A manual steering system requires the driver to provide the entire force alone for steering. Power steering doesn`t allow the wheel resistance to reach the steering wheel, making steering quicker.
When a steering wheel suddenly became hard to turn while the engine is on, it shows the EPS failure. You can stop the engine and then start it again – the EPS will recover for a while, but this is temporary. The soonest possible diagnostics and repair in order to restore EPS normal function is highly recommended.
While it is technically possible to drive the car with a failing electric power steering system, it is not going to get any better. The vehicle will need to be serviced as soon as possible. The module is still pulling excess power from the battery and robbing the rest of the vehicle.
You may also search by Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for recalls on vehicles not currently in your garage. If you are looking for more information regarding the recently announced recall for select 2017-2022 model year Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUVs, please visit experience.gm.com/recalls/bolt-ev.
A properly maintained 2007 Cobalt should last around 150,000 miles, half as long as top competitors like the Toyota Corolla.
While the price of this repair can vary, expect to pay between $500 and $800 to get your power steering pump replaced. Depending on your car, the cost could exceed that price, or fall below it. The best way to know for sure is to talk with the service advisors are your repair shop.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

A car I just purchased is having issues. The power steering when out and came back. Now all the gauges on the dash board are flick
ANSWER : Many 2007 Cobalts were recalled to repair faults in the power steering system. To determine if you vehicle was included in the power steering recall, please use NHTSA’s VIN lookup tool. You may have to visit a dealer or call Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, as well, to determine if your specific vehicle was actually repaired. Sometimes owners don’t take their vehicles in for recall repairs so even though your car might have been recalled, that doesn’t mean it was actually fixed.

If the recall does not apply, you can schedule a power steering malfunction diagnostic – loss of assist and the problem will be diagnosed and repaired by a certified mechanic from YourMechanic. With regard to the incidents you are experiencing with loss of engine power, the cause of that can be diagnosed, and any required repairs made, if you request an engine loss of power diagnostic. To give you an initial idea of causes of loss of power, although there are many possibilities, a partial list would include oxygen sensors, fuel pump and/or filter, vacuum leaks, ignition system malfunctions, bad valve timing if the timing belt or chain is worn or skipped, blocked exhaust (e.g., catalytic converter fails or become clogged), airflow sensor, throttle position sensor, and so forth. Whatever the cause, if you request the engine loss of power diagnostic, the certified mechanic will get this resolved promptly. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

Steering wheel won’t lock. Yellow steering lock warning on dash. Only comes on when removing fob.
ANSWER : Hi there. The issue seems to be the shifter interlock solenoid may be malfunctioning causing the steering wheel lock to not release or not engage.

I suggest having the computer scanned for any codes that would be stored or pending for the steering system as there is a warning light on for the steering lock system. This will give you the correct item to check when dealing with your steering wheel not locking. If you need further assistance with the steering wheel not locking, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

I had a warning message in my 2013 Ford Fusion that the power steering assist failed. I have power steering capability now. Is it safe to drive?
ANSWER : Some 2013 Ford Fusion models are part of a safety recall involving loss of steering assist. Contact your dealer with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or check your VIN number on safercar.gov to verify if this recall applies to your vehicle. Loss of steering assist can be dangerous if you are caught off guard. It would be best to not drive the vehicle. Contact your dealer to have it towed to their location.

Power steering pump on 2012 Acura TL needs to be replaced. Due to location a power bar also needs to be replaced. Cost over $3,000. Is this a good price?
ANSWER : Question sent to CS for a quote on replacing the power steering motor, programming, and replacing an electrical component attached to the motor. This is in comparison to a quote that was given for the parts and labor.

my car has theissue that it often lose power steering suddenly while turning.nothing leaks but there’s clunky noice when turning
ANSWER : The only way to determine if the collision caused damage is to carefully MEASURE the alignment and, as well, the frame dimensions using a tram. If those steps have not been specifically taken, what the mechanics have told you about "no damage" is meaningless. If the dealer has told you there is a problem with the steering rack, there very well could be and that possibility should be investigated. If the rack is faulty, it should be repaired or replaced. There is not supposed to be any clunking noises when you turn the steering wheel. The fact that there is a noise indicates a problem. The noise could be due to a problem with the strut bearing that allows the strut to turn freely with the steering knuckle, a defective tie rod end, a sway bar link or component and so forth. If you have hydraulically (not electric) assisted powered steering, loss of power assist could be due to a fault with the pump, the pump drive belt, or rack. Based on what you are describing, I would recommend you request a steering inspection – intermittent loss of assist and the responding certified mechanic will pinpoint the origin of the noise, as well as the cause of loss of assist, and get the required repairs implemented. With regard to the possibility of damage to the suspension and/or frame due to the collision, the ONLY way to determine that is to have those components measured using the appropriate tools and having in hand the Factory Service Manual which contains every relevant frame measurement for reference. You CANNOT visually look at a vehicle and determine if it is straight and undamaged because some of the specifications are measured within tens of thousandths of an inch (toe, for example) or tiny fractions of a degree (wheel camber). A carefully selected shop with trained individuals will have to perform such an inspection. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

Power steering is making noises seems like is looking power does the power steering pump makes the car to automatically stops lock
ANSWER : Noises from the power steering system can be due to low fluid level, as well as a loose drive belt, so be sure to check those two possibilities first. If there is still no resolution, that is if the noise problems persist, you should request a steering noise diagnostic. If faults with the power steering pump are causing the engine to loose power, then you should mention those issues to the mechanic when he does the noise diagnostic so that the mechanic can evaluate the freeness of the pump pulley and look for other faults. If, though, the engine is losing power, due to other causes such as ignition or fuel system faults, those will have to be separately diagnosed.

Power steering fluid groaning noise. Power steering leak?
ANSWER : Hello. A groaning noise is an indication of low power steering fluid. If you had your power steering fluid serviced about 5 months ago and it is making a groaning noise again most likely means your power steering pump has gone bad or your power steering leak has going from minor to moderate. I can tell you that Honda Accords are one of the most common vehicles for a power steering pump leak to occur on and require a pump replacement. If not a leaking pump it could be power steering hose leaking fluid. I suggest that you have a power steering fluid leak inspection done otherwise you will have to keep filling up your power steering reservoir until it is fixed.

https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-steering-fluid-is-leaking-inspection

Car won’t start, no power, doesn’t even crank engine.
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. When it comes to the vehicle not starting, and not having electrical power, always start by checking the battery. In your situation you can go remove the battery from the vehicle, and take it to have it tested. If it is bad, simply replace it and drive the care home. During this process make sure the battery cables, ground connection, and connection to the starter are all clean, dry, and tight. If the battery is not bad, then you may have an ignition cylinder issue. This may come in the form of a connection issue, or some kind of other mechanical failure. There may also be a problem with the starter. Only further testing will tell. For more help resolving the issue, contact our service department and they may be able to help you where the vehicle sits now.